Why Choose SMA Teen Summer Camp

There are many choices when searching for a summer camp program and "Why Choose Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA)" over other summer options is a critical question. Here are a few reasons why our camp is a very special place to spend your summer.

Teen Focused Activities

Because there are no children at camp, all activities and events can be teen focused. Directors at SMA can design all of their programming specifically for young teenagers.

From exciting evening activities to white water rafting to team building events, all activities and events at Stone Mountain Adventures are designed on a level that is more physically, intellectually, and emotionally challenging for teens. Teens are physically able to do more than elementary age campers and emotionally more mature. Most teens also prefer to do camp activities and interact with others their own age.

Great Camp, Great Staff

One of our greatest strengths at SMA is our summer camp counselors. They are dynamic, responsible, skillful, fair and funny – our staff listens, cares, and treats everyone with respect.

Camp counselors at SMA put the needs of the campers first. They are between the ages of 21 and 29 and are excited to be spending their summer at camp with teens.

Watersports & Adventure Activities

SMA is a fantastic choice for kids who love the water. Watersports at SMA include swimming, wakeboarding, waterskiing, sailing, SUP (stand up paddleboarding), canoeing, kayaking, fishing and, once each session, white water rafting. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran at these watersports, our experienced staff are there to assist you every step of the way.

Our outdoor adventure activities and watersports challenge campers and give them the opportunity to learn new skills and have fun in the outdoors everyday!

It's easy to be a First Time Camper

Stone Mountain Adventures is a small, family oriented summer camp with about 60 campers per session. Because of our size campers make the transition to feeling "at home" at SMA quickly. This happens at SMA because:

Returning campers are kind and welcoming

Our staff are enthusiastic and meet the needs of everyone each day

Director Jud creates an atmosphere at SMA that is exciting and inclusive

Make Friends & Build Confidence

An overnight summer camp experience at SMA is a unique opportunity for kids to gain independence from mom and dad while learning and growing in a safe and supported environment.

At SMA campers build confidence by challenging themselves on outdoor adventure activities, watersports, and traditional sports. These experiences help campers at SMA to develop self esteem, independence, and a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. Sharing these experiences with other peers creates a strong bond of friendship that is so meaningful and important to teenagers.

Tradition, Safety, and Excellence

Stone Mountain Adventures was founded in 1983 by Pam and Biff Houldin. Current Camp Director Jud (son of Pam and Biff) grew up at camp attending camp as a camper and later working as a counselor. Jud and his wife Anne bring a combined 40+ years of experience teaching in traditional and non-traditional school settings, coaching youth sports, leading international trips for high school students, leading wilderness trips, and working as a mountaineering guide.

Year after year, the greatest concern is the safety of our campers and staff. Constant attention is given to the physical and emotional health of all involved. Precautions are taken and safety is paramount (seat belts, helmets, life jackets, etc. are non-negotiable). Being a small camp helps Director Jud keep a finger on the pulse of camp and maintain high health and safety standards.

"This was my first overnight camp experience and I was really nervous about making friends, but it turns out I had nothing to worry about. The counselors and campers were so friendly and because it is a small camp we soon felt like one big crazy family!"

- Chris Thompson, age 14

"I tried so many new activities at SMA this summer like wakebording, horseback riding and white water rafting. I pushed myself and accomplished things I never thought possible while at the same time making friends that will last a lifetime. I can honestly say this was the best summer of my life."